The Royal Collective: An Indian Henna and Sangeet in Dubai

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The Royal Collective: An Indian Henna and Sangeet in Dubai

Fatima’s Henna and Sangeet at the iconic Royal Mirage Hotel, Dubai, became a magnificent canvas for designer and storyteller Rachna Chadha to bring to life one of her most cherished and signature themes, The Royal Collective.

The brief was both inspiring and challenging: to distil the opulence, intricate artistry, and cultural grandeur of the Mughal era within a contained space. Fatima, an accomplished lawyer with a deep admiration for Indian heritage and Mughal history, entrusted Rachna, alongside her mother, the elegant Seham, to craft an evening rich in legacy, beauty, and emotion. This trust was rooted in a longstanding relationship that began in 2022, when Fatima’s aunt Samiha engaged Rachna for her daughter Buthaina’s Bollywood-themed Henna in 2023.

Drawing from a jewel-toned palette of deep red, burgundy, gold, and emerald, the design unfolded through layers of silk, velvet, chandeliers, and cascading jasmine. As guests entered, the fragrance of blooms mingled with the soft notes of sitar melodies, transporting them into a regal Mughal fantasy.

At the heart of the venue stood a palatial stage—an architectural masterpiece inspired by Rajasthani and Mughal design. Conceived as a three-dimensional structure, it evoked the grandeur of a palace that could belong in Rajasthan or emerge straight from a Mughal-era epic. Ornamental detailing, depth, and scale transformed the stage into a visual spectacle and storytelling anchor for the evening.

Rachna further layered the experience with nuanced Colonial India inspirations—abundant florals arranged in ornate vases, chandeliers, vintage candelabras, stained and lace table linens, lanterns, and thousands of candles creating a warm, romantic glow. Cascading strings of jasmine adorned the ceiling alongside handcrafted gold lamps, while fairy lights draped with flowing fabrics hovered over a water body filled with rose and jasmine petals. Thoughtfully curated photo moments, marble-topped console tables strewn with petals and candles, candle grids with urlis, and bespoke food and dessert displays completed the immersive setting.

Guided by Rachna, the hotel’s culinary team curated a menu that seamlessly blended gastronomy and artistry, elevating the sensory journey further.

The reaction was overwhelming. Seham was left speechless upon her first walk-through, astonished by the scale and poetry of the transformation. Fatima described the experience as stepping into a Sabyasachi heirloom home or a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film—a sentiment echoed by guests, many of whom called it the most grand and intricately designed Henna night ever witnessed within the Arab community. Even the Royal Mirage management was captivated by the dramatic transformation of the space.

More than a celebration, Fatima’s Henna and Sangeet became a living testament to Rachna Chadha’s mastery in weaving history, design, and emotion into timeless experiences—leaving behind memories that will be cherished for generations.